Etosha Safaris in Namibia

Etosha National Park is Namibia’s premier safari destination. Offering some of the most mind-blowing wildlife viewing in Africa, Etosha safaris are among the best in Africa.

In the summer months, rain turns the arid landscape lush, and a plethora of migratory birds arrive to breed. The most memorable - the colourful flocks of greater and lesser flamingos and pelicans that breed on the Etosha Pan.

In winter, the pan shrinks to a shimmering white wasteland. The lack of water robs the landscape of life. Animals great and small congregate en mass around the watering holes throughout the park. Etosha is well-known for its lit watering holes where visitors can see endangered black rhinos at night.

The dry season wildlife phenomenon of an Etosha Safari is an awe-inspiring procession of Africa’s most impressive wildlife.

Most Etosha Safaris start and end in Namibia's capital city of Windhoek. Guided safari tours include transfers to and from the park, as well as game drives and park entry fees. Some Etosha Safaris visit Etosha National Park exclusively. These shorter trips are ideal for those on a tight schedule. Other safari tours combine Etosha with top Namibia travel highlights, such as Sossusvlei Dunes, Sesriem Canyon and Swakopmund.

For people with extra time, there are longer African Safaris that go to Etosha Park and other popular places. These include Victoria Falls, Botswana's Okavango Delta, Kruger or Cape Town in South Africa, Mozambique, and Malawi, among others.

Accommodation in Etosha National Park is in lodges or camping at the rest camps - Okaukuejo, Halali or Namutoni camp. The rest camps feature floodlit waterholes where you can watch animals at night. They offer various tourist facilities, such as restaurants, shops and swimming pools. 

Etosha Safari Highlights

• Extraordinary Wildlife Viewing around the numerous watering holes
• Rare night-time game viewing at floodlit watering holes
• Etosha is a haven for Black Rhino and an excellent place to see these cantankerous mammals
• See the White Ghosts of Etosha, the tallest elephants in Africa
• Excellent self-drive destination with well-maintained infrastructure
• The wide range of places to stay in and around Etosha National Park caters for every budget
• Etosha’s vast landscape is scenic and accessible making it an excellent photographic destination
• The surreal Etosha Pan is the largest salt pan in Africa

Where is Etosha National Park Located?

Etosha National Park is in the southern African country of Namibia which lies on the southwest coast of Africa. In the far north of Namibia, in the remote Kunene region, sits Etosha National Park. Isolated and remote, the park is accessible on an Etosha safari tour, in a 4x4, or on a self-drive safari. Etosha is a 6-hour, 435 km / 270-mile drive north of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city.

Quick Etosha National Park Facts

• Size: 22 270 km² /8598 sq. miles
• Wildlife: Etosha National Park boasts 114 mammal species, including 4 of the Big 5, (elephant, rhino, leopard, and lion). It also hosts giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, springbok, gemsbok, cheetah, hyena, near-endemic Damara dik-dik, and black-faced impala.
• Terrain: The Etosha Pan is a 4,800km² (1853mi²) dried-out lake that supports little to no life. Around the pan, Etosha consists of flat savannah grassland sparse woodland, and rolling hills with kopjes.
• Cultural Highlights: The Himba Tribe of the Kunene Region. These tribal Namibian people are famous for their elaborate hairstyles, and red body paint. They smear their bodies with otjize paste - a mixture of fat and ochre. This serves as a sunblock and gives their skin a striking red appearance.
• Scenery: The Etosha Pan is a surreal and strikingly flat landscape that is popular with photographers. The dry season creates a harsh environment, but many animals still live in the area despite its barren appearance.

Types of Etosha Safaris

Namibia is one of the most popular southern African safari destinations. African Budget Safaris has 126 tours that visit Etosha National Park - including lodge safaris, camping safaris, overland tours, and private safaris.

Highlights of Namibian Safaris include the Skeleton Coast, the Waterberg Plateau, Seisriem Canyon, Spitzekop, Soussusvlei, Himba cultural experiences, Windhoek, and more.

Overland Etosha Safaris

Overland Etosha Safaris cater to adventurous travellers seeking an unforgettable journey through southern Africa.

African Budget Safaris has 57 Overland Safaris that visit Etosha National Park in Namibia. These tours include Lodge Overland Tours, Camping Overland Tours, Family Overland Safaris, Senior Overland Tours, and Exclusive Overland Safaris.

These overland tours range from family-friendly 11-day overland tours to epic 43-day Cape to Kenya overland adventures. Many Namibia Overland Safaris begin in Windhoek and visit Spitzkoppe, Sossusvlei, the Namib Desert, Skeleton Coast, and Etosha. Longer overland trips will make their way through Botswana's Chobe and Okavango Delta to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The longest trips start in Cape Town or Nairobi and take in all the safari highlights of southern and eastern Africa.

Camping Overland Safaris are well-suited for young, active travellers. They provide a more rugged hands-on experience. The Exclusive Overland Safaris are popular among older individuals seeking a higher level of comfort during their African adventures.

The overland tours offer a range of experiences, from basic camping to more exclusive and comfortable safaris. This enables travellers to choose the option that best fits their preferences, budget, and travel style.

Custom & Private Etosha Safaris

Custom Etosha Safaris put you in control of your trip. As do private safaris, to a lesser or greater extent - depending on your preferences.

Generally, these safaris cater for smaller groups and offer a higher level of comfort. Our African travel experts can help you design your own private safari that suits your unique preferences and budget. Whether you're passionate about photography, adventure sports, cycling, birding, or other activities, we can tailor a trip for you.

African Budget Safaris has over 16 years of experience and a vast network of safari partners across Africa. We have the expertise to tailor-make your dream safari.

We can fully adapt a Private African Safari to your needs or you can book a sample private safari as is. We work with you at every stage to create a customized safari that suits your budget. This gives you flexibility in your travels and allows you to experience a safari tailored to your needs.

Camping Etosha Safaris

Camping Etosha Safaris provide an affordable and immersive way to experience the treasures of Namibia. Camping allows travellers to connect with the wide open spaces of this incredible country.

Camping safaris offer a unique opportunity to explore Namibia’s epic landscapes, breathtaking scenery, and incredible wildlife. All while camping under some of the brightest stars in the world. Camping Etosha Safaris are as short as 3 days, or longer trips that take in more of Namibia.

Budget Camping Safaris are ideal for people seeking an authentic and budget-friendly African adventure. They enable budget-conscious visitors to witness first-hand the Namibia deserts, Spitzkop, Damaraland, and Etosha National Park.

Lodge Etosha Safaris

Lodge Etosha Safaris offer a comfortable alternative for travellers who prefer not to camp. Lodge Etosha Safaris provide comfortable stays in lodges selected for their value for money and reliable service. While lodge safaris require less active participation than camping safaris, they still provide access to the best Namibian safari destinations, including Etosha National Park. The lodges, typically range from small 1- to 3-star establishments, offering a more comfortable and convenient base.

Lodge safaris are well-suited for those seeking a balance between comfort and adventure. These trips allow travellers to experience the remarkable wildlife of Southern Africa without compromising on quality or cost.

Planning an Etosha Safari?

Start by browsing our Namibia Safari Tours or talk to one of our African safari experts and start planning your Etosha Safari today.